§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any plans to change the earnings rule to increase the amount which disabled persons may earn before losing benefits.
§ Mr. ScottPeople receiving sickness benefit, invalidity pension or severe disablement allowance can do work of a therapeutic nature with their doctor's approval without affecting their benefit entitlement, provided that their earnings do not exceed £28.50 per week. This level was last increased in April 1989 and is reviewed annually.
The amount that disabled people can earn without affecting their income support was increased from £4 to £15 per week in April 1988. The same disregard of £15 applies also to housing benefit and will be extended to the community charge benefits. There are no current plans to increase these disregards.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth, 11 April,Official Report, column 500, when sections 2, 3, and 8 (ii) of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 will be implemented.
§ Mr. ScottWe are still in detailed discussions with the local authority associations about section 7; these will be followed by work on the remaining sections.